You've probably heard of brain pigments . . .
No, I don't mean "figments" . . . that's a whole other topic, eh?
I'm talking about neuromelanins, which are melanins that accumulate in brain cells as we age. These pigment molecules build up inside little organelles within neurons and seem to protect cells against natural processes of degeneration and aging.
Who knows? Maybe if we learn more about how this works, we'll be able to promote and enhance this natural protective process! Thus possibly treating neurodegenerative diseases or reducing the effects of aging.
New melanic pigments in the human brain that accumulate in aging and block environmental toxic metals
Luigi Zecca et al.
Published online before print November 6, 2008, doi:10.1073/pnas.0808768105
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS)November 11,2008 vol. 105 no. 45 p.17567-17572
[This is the original article]
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